Definition
A declarative sentence is a type of sentence that makes a statement or expresses an idea, fact, or opinion. Its main purpose is to provide information clearly and directly. Declarative sentences end with a period (full stop) and are the most common type of sentences used in both spoken and written English.
Structure
The basic structure of a declarative sentence follows a Subject + Verb + Object or complement format. The subject performs the action, the verb shows the action or state of being, and the object or complement completes the meaning. For example, "She reads books." Here, "She" is the subject, "reads" is the verb, and "books" is the object.
Examples
Declarative sentences can be simple, compound, or complex. Examples include: "The sun shines." (simple), "I like coffee, and she prefers tea." (compound), and "Although it was raining, we went outside." (complex). All these convey information clearly and end with a period.
Use in Communication
Declarative sentences are fundamental to communication because they allow speakers and writers to convey facts, observations, beliefs, and ideas. Understanding how to form and recognize declarative sentences helps learners build strong, clear sentences for everyday conversation and academic writing.
Related Concepts
Declarative sentences contrast with interrogative sentences (questions), imperative sentences (commands), and exclamatory sentences (expressing strong emotion). Mastering declarative sentences is essential before progressing to more complex sentence types in English grammar.
